The AI Cloud Engineers

The AI Cloud Engineers

How Much Do Cloud Engineers Really Make? A Breakdown by Role and Experience

Lefteris Karageorgiou's avatar
Lefteris Karageorgiou
Dec 17, 2025
∙ Paid

Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses operate, and with it, the demand for skilled cloud professionals has skyrocketed. If you’re considering a career in cloud engineering or looking to understand where you fit in the ecosystem, this comprehensive guide breaks down the various cloud engineering roles and their salary expectations.

Thanks for reading The Cloud Engineers! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Understanding the Cloud Engineering Landscape

Before diving into specific roles, it’s important to note that cloud engineering salaries vary significantly based on several factors:

  • Location: San Francisco and New York typically offer 20-40% higher salaries than mid-tier cities

  • Company size: FAANG and enterprise companies generally pay more than startups

  • Experience level: Years of experience dramatically impact compensation

  • Certifications: AWS certifications can add $10,000-$20,000 to base salary

  • Specialization: Niche skills like security or FinOps command…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Lefteris Karageorgiou.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Lefteris Karageorgiou · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for writing, podcasting, and media founders.